The Festivity of Saint Blaise
The Festivity of Saint Blaise- 02.02.2025. - 09.02.2025.
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This year marks the 1053rd celebration of Dubrovnik's traditional festivity in honor of its patron saint, St. Blaise. Concluding on Sunday, February 9th, a series of artistic and educational workshops, exhibitions, lectures, performances, programs for children and youth, concerts, and special and traditional events will be held.
This traditional celebration starts on the day of Our Lady of Candelora, February 2, the festivities include the release of white doves symbolizing freedom and peace and the raising of St. Blaise's banner on Orlando's column. Secular activities abound, with restaurants offering winter delicacies, exhibits, and concerts dedicated to St. Blaise. The city walls showcase over a hundred stone depictions of the patron saint.
Each year on February 2, when Dubrovnik celebrates Our Lady of Candelora, people repeat the old dictum: "Candelora, winter goodbye, Saint Blaise follows her and says it is a lie." Truly, on that day, when continental cities are drenched in torrential rain and the rest of Europe is often caked in ice, Dubrovnik is full of mimosas, almonds in full bloom and sunny spring days.On the day of the festivity itself, February 3, numerous faithful and church dignitaries come to the City from nearby areas carrying the saint's relics across Stradun and city streets in a solemn procession, and under a baldachin is the greatest of all relics, the shroud of Jesus.
The Saint Blaise festivity is also the Day of the City of Dubrovnik, which is why apart from religious ceremonies these days are rich in various activities.
At the end of the Festa, on Sunday, February 9, a ceremonial procession will be held to Gorica St. Blaise, after which the flag will be ceremonially lowered in front of the saint's church.
